CASPER, Wyo. – A Casper man has been found guilty of second-degree homicide in the stabbing death of Ryan Schroeder in 2021. The jury returned a verdict after less than four hours of deliberation, following closing arguments that included emotional testimony from the defendant.
During the trial, Justin Armando Marquez, 42, took the stand and tearfully claimed self-defense, stating that he stabbed Schroeder, his longtime friend, on June 26, 2021. Despite Marquez’s defense, state prosecutors presented compelling evidence linking him to Schroeder’s death over four days of testimony.
The jury was faced with the task of determining whether Marquez acted out of malice or in a sudden heat of passion when he stabbed Schroeder. The defense argued for acquittal based on the belief that the act was committed in self-defense, while the prosecution pointed to inconsistencies in Marquez’s statements to law enforcement.
Forensic evidence presented during the trial revealed that Schroeder had been stabbed 30 times, leading to his tragic death. Marquez admitted to the stabbing and disposal of Schroeder’s body, hoping that time would erase his involvement in the crime.
As the trial concluded, Marquez now faces a lengthy prison sentence of 20 years-to-life. The sentencing phase is expected to take place in the coming months, marking the end of a long legal battle that shed light on the tragic events leading to Ryan Schroeder’s death.